Conference calls

Sporting News, The, August 19, 1996

We've got a pretty good idea who's going to answer, but just to keep it exciting, we've added the games that will make (or break) our ranks

ATLANTIC COAST

Predictions

1. Florida State

2. Virginia

3. Clemson

4. North Carolina

5. Georgia Tech

6. Maryland

7. North Carolina State

8. Duke

9. Wake Forest

Big games

Clemson at North Carolina, August 31. Tar Heels coach Mack Brown didn't want to play Clemson this early in the season, but he doesn't have a choice. North Carolina will have the home-field advantage, but that hasn't meant much in a series where Clemson has won 13 of the past 15 games.

Virginia at Florida State, October 26. No one expects the Cavaliers to duplicate their 33-28 upset of Florida State last year, particularly in Tallahassee, Fla., but there will be no shortage of pregame hype for this one.

Florida at Florida State, November 30. With Miami still rebuilding, chances are the Seminoles will go into their regular-season finale unbeaten, possibly ranked No. 1 and looking to avenge last season's 35-24 loss in Gainesville, Fla.

Player of the year

Six ACC running backs had more carries last year than Florida State's Warrick Dunn, who, nonetheless, became the first two-time 1,000-yard rusher in school history. Oh, yes, he also had 43 receptions, which would have led three ACC teams.

BIG TEN

Predictions

1. Iowa

2. Penn State

3. Ohio State

4. Michigan

5. Northwestern

6. Michigan State

7. Purdue

8. Wisconsin

9. Indiana

10. Illinois

11. Minnesota

Big games

Michigan at Northwestern, October 5. This early showdown could very well establish a frontrunner in the run for the Roses. It figures to be a low-scoring affair, showcasing the talents of two of the best defenses in the nation. The Wildcats won this one last year in Ann Arbor; the Wolverines will want to return the favor when the teams square off at Dyche Stadium.

Penn State at Ohio State, October 5. This border war has developed into the league's most heated rivalry. The Nittany Lions remember what happened the last time they visited the horseshoe: They were bounced out of the 1993 Big Ten race. They've knocked off the Buckeyes only once since joining the league. Added incentive: Whichever team loses this one could out of Rose Bowl contention.

Iowa at Penn State, October 19. Iowa has been unable to stop Penn State in each of the past two seasons. If the Hawkeyes are to be serious contenders for the Big Ten title, they need to win in Happy Valley. And a win could put the Hawkeyes on a roll for the next weekend, when they face Ohio State.

Player of the year

Ohio State defensive end Mike Vrabel was an All-Conference First Team selection last season and saved his best performances for big games. He forced a fumble against Notre Dame, notched seven tackles against Penn State and picked off a pass against Michigan. He's the anchor of what could be one of the toughest defenses in the country.

BIG 12

Predictions

NORTH DIVISION

1. Nebraska

2. Colorado

3. Kansas State

4. Kansas

5. Missouri

6. Iowa State

SOUTH DIVISION

1. Texas

2. Texas A&M

3. Baylor

4. Texas Tech

5. Oklahoma

6. Oklahoma State

Big games

Notre Dame at Texas, September 21. This could have national title ramifications for the winner. Besides being the first real test for Texas, it's the Longhorns' first nationally televised game of the season.

Texas A&M at Texas, November 29. In addition to the obvious bowl and Big 12 title possibilities, this could be pivotal for the respective coaches. Another victory over the Aggies will keep the everdwindling number of John Mackovic critics at bay. An A&M victory would help R.C. Slocum and the Aggies regain some of the momentum the program lost after three consecutive Cotton Bowl appearances.

Colorado at Nebraska, November 29. The Buffaloes haven't beaten Nebraska in Lincoln since November 3, 1990. They won 27-12 that day, then went on to win a co-national title with Georgia Tech. CU will be upsetminded again, but only a fool would bet against the defending national champions at home.

Player of the year

Colorado quarterback Koy Detmer was having a Heisman Trophy-caliber season in '95 when he injured his anterior cruciate ligament in the Buffaloes' fourth game at Texas A&M. Detmer returned August 1 to a talented supporting cast that includes wide receiver Rae Carruth and guard Chris Naeole. Coach Rick Neuheisel wants a wide-open offense, and with Detmer and Co., he may get his wish.

BIG EAST

Predictions

1. Miami

2. Syracuse

3. Virginia Tech

4. West Virginia

5. Boston College

6. Pittsburgh

7. Temple

8. Rutgers

Big games

Virginia Tech at Syracuse, September 28. This game will give the winner the inside track for the conference title and set up a showdown with Miami in November. Since the formation of the league, the home team in this series has always won.

Boston College at West Virginia, October 5. With the first three conference bowl slots expected to be filled by Miami, Syracuse and Virginia Tech, this game could determine who gets a Liberty Bowl berth against the Conference USA champ.

Miami at Syracuse, November 30. The Hurricanes will have to venture into the not-so-friendly confines of the Carrier Dome if they intend to clinch the conference title outright.